Mithril, Roman Street in concert Dec. 8-9 at Laidlaw

Still awaiting those icy blasts of November? Winter along the Gulf Coast is relative, I suppose. With no deep freeze on the horizon, we can at least pretend it’s cold outside as we anticipate the occasional gift of the season. Here is one such gift:

Two of the Gulf Coast’s most popular bands, Mithril and Roman Street, will perform in tandem at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Musical selections will include fan favorites from both bands as well as holiday fare, says Andra Bohnet, flutist for Mithril.

(Press-Register/Victor Calhoun)The Celtic band Mithril.

The concerts coincide with the public release of violinist Tom Morley’s new solo CD, “The Raven’s Wing,” from which the seasonally appropriate tune “Cold Frosty Morning” will be performed by the combined bands.

“We played the Phantasy of the Arts together a little over a year ago and we’ve been talking about doing something together ever since,” says Mithril guitarist Ben Harper. “The game plan is for Roman Street to start off the night, then we’ll join forces for a song or two, then Mithril’s set, then Roman Street comes back out and we join forces again to finish off the night.

“Can’t wait to work with the guys in Roman Street again,” Harper says. “They’re simply the best.”

ARTNOTES: “Art, cuisine and compassion” will be the theme when 15 Place, a multi-service facility serving the homeless, families and veterans, hosts the annual “ARTsoup” fundraiser from 6 until 9 p.m. Nov. 19 during National Hunger and Homelessness Week.

Patrons will gather at Christ Church Cathedral, select from among the 300 handcrafted soup bowls created by local artists and dine on hot soups, crusted breads, desserts and cold beverages. Live music from Bay Runners and a silent auction of local art also will be featured. Individual tickets are $40, tables of six or eight are available. To become a corporate sponsor, purchase a table, make reservations or obtain more information on 15 Place or “ARTsoup,” call Lyn Manz-Walters at 251-432-7227. Web: www.15place.org.

Erin Langley of Jitterbug Theatre reports that French Woods Festival, one of the nation’s top musical theater camps in Hancock, N.Y., will partner with Jitterbug for a second year and is giving a full scholarship to another Jitterbug student. “We’ll be in charge of selecting the student based on talent and financial need,” she says. The scholarship is worth more than $4,000. The designated student will travel to New York for three weeks in June.

Julie Gustafson, development manager at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, will be the speaker at the Government Street Forum at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Government Street Presbyterian Church, 300 Government St. Lunch is $5 and is served at noon. Information, call the church office at 251-432-1749.